Gorse 2024

By S.F. Skyheart - March 18, 2024

According to the Celtic Tree Calendar, the day before the Spring Equinox is called the Day of Gorse.

Gorse, or furze, is a thorny evergreen shrub from the pea family. It is native to Western Europe, especially Scotland, as well as northwest Africa. It can grow up to 10 ft tall with bright yellow blooms and an aromatic coconut fragrance.

Gorse is known as whin flower in Scotland, where the saying goes, "When the whin's in bloom, for kissing there's room." The Scots have used the yellow buds to dye wool and Ostara eggs, feed livestock, and even in microbrews. Its sharp leaves and yellow blossoms were once used in folk medicine to make a tea for depression and melancholy.

In some Celtic traditions, the youngest family member would bring Gorse's dense, prickly branches into the house for good luck. They called it "bringing in the summer." There were also those who thought it was bad luck to bring them inside. Gorse branches have also been used to make a traditional broom for spring cleaning and energy clearing.

Sometimes called the Hope flower due to its hardy survival of harsh weather, Gorse flower essence is purported to give a renewed sense of hope and optimism, which might make a lovely addition to a healing bath or hand lotion.

If Gorse isn't growing in your part of the world, perhaps find another yellow spring flower such as daffodils, tulips, or forsythia to bring the sunlight inside and dispel the end of winter blahs.

Do what lights you up,
Sadie